Every time I ask a question regarding the death of a newborn baby most Christians say something about them going to heaven because they haven't reached "the age of accountability".
Biblical proof... or is it just made up to support and add logic to the Christian argument
2007-12-06 07:00:18 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Nowhere
2007-12-07 11:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Newborn babies most certainly do go to Heaven. The Bible says that the blood of children is innocent.
Psalm 106:37-38 (NKJV) They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.
The Bible also tells us that children grow up and reach a stage where they know the difference between right and wrong. Even Jesus had to learn this as a child:
Isaiah 7:14-16 (NKJV) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings.
(There are more Scriptures but these give the idea.)
Having said that ... the whole idea of a time of accountability is completely Scriptural. There is, however, no age given for that in the Bible. Some children will never reach it, for example people with Down's Syndrome etc.
The reason why this seems contradictory is because many Christians believe that babies are born sinners. I do not ascribe to that belief at all and I am not alone in that. Charles Finney, for example, was adamantly opposed to the belief that we are born sinners.
Basically, we, as babies, are born innocent. We grow up as children experiencing life's lessons and learn the difference between right and wrong. When we get to the stage in life where we know exactly what is right and we then make an informed and deliberate decision to do wrong we have sinned.
God bless you
2007-12-06 15:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
You're right to say that it is nowhere in scripture.
That said, since believing or not is portrayed in scripture as a choice, I think it logically follows that since infants amd young children aren't developed enough to be able to make such a choice, they aren't held accountable for their choices or lack thereof. Or at least I've never met a 6 month old who could choose for or against God.
I would also say that the age of accountability, if it exists (and I believe strongly that it does) would be different for each person. Some people probably can choose for or against at age 7 (this would be the exception, obviously), some people still aren't mature enough at age 13. Know what I mean?
2007-12-06 15:03:36 · answer #3 · answered by KL 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
they are without sin. It is a social argument also. What is the age of accountability state by state. Most are revising that right now. And any Christian knows that no one is in Heaven yet. Judgment Day has not come.
2007-12-06 15:07:10 · answer #4 · answered by Cheryl P 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Offhand, I think there's a verse in Jonah, in which God asks a question regarding sparing the young ones which could not discern their left hand from their right one.
Closest I can think of off the top of my head.
God is just when He judges, and certainly is fair. Not even a human with any consideration would condemn an innocent...also certainly not a Holy and Righteous God.
2007-12-06 15:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by Jed 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
When a child reaches the age when he starts asking questions about God and heaven and what happens to us when we die ,that's when the holy spirit start to convict his tender heart that he needs Jesus. My children started asking about 5 or 6 yrs. of age.
2007-12-06 15:10:29 · answer #6 · answered by B"Quotes 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not exactly sure where it is found but is when a child reaches an age where they can tell right from wrong they are accountable.
2007-12-06 15:08:54 · answer #7 · answered by King Arthur 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, the non-profit European Catholic Church says something like those who receive communion become part of God's body and all kids under 8 don't go to communion, so it must mean that all 8 years old who die go to straight to hell and stay there for all eternity. If it wasn't true, then they wouldn't say it at church services, would they?
2007-12-06 15:08:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
One must "KNOW" what sin is before they are accountable for their actions...it doesn't mention a specific age; it can differ between individuals.
2007-12-06 15:07:02 · answer #9 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Oh great -- one more thing for Christians to argue over. It almost makes one wonder why God chose to leave so much seemingly important information out of the Bibble, while being explicit as to what kinds of beans to plant and clothes to wear.
2007-12-06 15:08:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋